Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) have been advised by Harness Racing Australia (HRA) that it has been determined following a national review involving Stewards from all six states that the following item of equipment is to be placed on the Banned List.
The item is marketed under several different names but is commonly described as a rolling pole burr fitted with copper points. This item of equipment has been deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with equine welfare standards of the Australian harness racing industry.
The banning of this item of equipment took effect as of 27 January 2026, and a link to the full HRA article can be found here.
HRV Stewards remind all participants of the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 213, which reads:
AHRR 213. A person shall not:-
(a) by use of harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing inflict suffering on a horse;
(b) have in his possession any harness, gear, equipment, device, substance or any other thing capable of inflicting suffering on a horse.
All trainers are also reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that any item fitted to a horse, including newly purchased items, is not capable of causing suffering.
For further information on this please contact HRV Integrity using one of the following options:
HRV Stewards – Phone – 03 8378 0292
Integrity Hotline – Phone – 03 9214 0651 or Email – integrity@hrv.org.au